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International Women's Day is a celebration and recognition of women's
economic, political and social achievements. Falling on March 8th, the
day actually began as a Socialist political event in the United States of America
on February 28th, 1909. In August 1910, an International Women's
Conference preceding the general meeting of the Socialist Second
International in Copenhagen expanded interest in "International Woman's
Day" (IWD). The next year, on March 18th, 1911 IWD was celebrated by
over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
In 1975, the United Nations began to sponsor International Women's Day.
The date was eventually finalized as March 8th to remember the 1857
strike by garment workers in New York which led to the formation of the
first women's union in the United States.

International Women's Day is now a public holiday in over 30
countries, with unofficial celebrations taking place around the world.
This year, the International Women's Day is dedicated to "The Gender
Agenda: Gaining Momentum". In light of the triumphs and tragedies
(listen to our expat chat about woman traveling alone)
that befall woman every day, this global event is a necessary step in
marking how far woman have come, and how much more there is to
accomplish.

International Women's Day Celebrations

In honor of IWD, LUSTlab created a fascinating
interactive map of markers in woman's rights and advancements all over the globe: Woman's Political Rights Around the World. Slide the scale to watch the dark map of 1892 brighten as you move into the present.

International Women's Day Australia

In 2010, Sydney was identified as having female leaders occupying
every major political office. All female performances and celebrations
are held with important female members of government providing speeches.

International Women's Day in Armenia

International Women's Day is an official holiday in Armenia, but
after the collapse of the Soviet Union, April 7th was introduced as state
holiday of "Beauty and Motherhood". However, people still celebrate
International Women's Day on March 8 and "Women's Month" is now an event
between March 8 and April 7.

International Women's Day in India

This International Women's Day will both be a celebration and a
remembrance of the tragic events of violence against woman this year.
Woman will gather to share their experiences and lend strength in
demonstrations and conferences.

International Women's Day in Italy

On March 8th, Italian men offer their women the traditional gift of
yellow mimosas as an expression of female solidarity. Declared a special
date in 1945 by the Union of Italian Women, the event is a reminder to
honor all the woman in your life.

International Women's Day in Brazil

As the country continues to prepare for the 2014 FIFA World Cup,
flowers are offered to loved ones and talks on women's issues are held.
Some woman take the day to make themselves feel beautiful getting deals
at salons and manicurists.

International Women's Day in the UK

Woman and men gather to discuss women's issues and discuss policy. Campaigns include the "Join Me on the Bridge"
event that is based on Rwandan and Congolese women who met on a bridge
joining their two countries as a demonstration that women could build
bridges of peace. Women will march on bridges in London and other
locations around the world.

International Women's Day USA

The holiday that started in the US is going strong with discussions,
parties, and demonstrations. Different campaigns have included
controversial campaigns like "Rock the Lips" and free cupcakes. Some
participants simply donate money to women's causes, engage in political
debate, and enjoying their freedoms and rights.